"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." - Genesis 1:27 KJV
Some Alabama churches are responding to Pride Month this year. Traditionally, churches across the state have not given much energy to LGBTQ celebrations. However, this year, more Christian events are planned to celebrate another kind of love: the love of Christ.
Greg Davis, a former pastor who is now president and CEO of the Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), told 1819 News that it is God’s people's responsibility to share the gospel with others, including those in the LGBTQ community.
“The Church is the people of God, commissioned to share the Word of God with all,” Davis said. “So, there are no exceptions to the mission that would carve out a specific subset. The Gospel is for all.”
Some churches have allowed the normalization of LGBTQ ideals, even allowing gay pastors in some cases. Just last month, the United Methodist Church lifted its ban on LGBTQ clergy.
The "Reconciling United Methodists of the North Alabama Conference" group used the Pentecost, May 19, to hype up congregations for Pride Month.
"On this Pentecost, we celebrate the movement of the UMC toward justice as we live into a new reality as a church with a story to tell about love," the organization posted online. "The work continues on behalf of all our queerly beloved siblings. PRIDE Month 2024 is just around the corner!"
Davis said the message from God is clear, and it leaves little wiggle room for the faithful.
“The Bible is clear that God created male and female who are complimentary to one another,” he explained. “God instituted a covenantal, permanent and exclusive union between the two genders. Any deviation from God's design is not best and is sinful.”
Davis said faithful pastors will not avoid controversy regarding addressing these issues and loving the congregation.
In Baldwin County, pastors certainly do not shy away from anything. Fairhope First Baptist held a viewing of “In His Image,” a documentary to offer clarity to what Pastor Dr. Eric Hankins called a “confused culture.” He said it's time for the church to take a stand and tell the truth because the truth will set you free.
“It has always been the responsibility of the church to speak the truth in love when the culture becomes confused,” he said. “Events like Pride Month advocate a gender ideology that is simply untrue, and lying to people hurts them.”
Another group of Christians led a prayer event throughout the month of May. The purpose was to pray until the day of the Color Fairhope with Pride Festival, on the first day of Pride Month, June 1.
On the first day of the Pride festival, another group of pastors came together to offer a worship and prayer event at a park nearby.
With ALCAP, Davis represents around 3,500 churches and pastors in Alabama. The program is an international denomination ministry, and Davis also connects lawmakers with those pastors. In that position, he has seen many social issues turn into political issues.
Whether in the pulpit or on the House floor, Davis said issues must be addressed, and churches must take a stand.
“It's always time for churches to take a stand against unrighteousness,” Davis said. “The longer we wait to deal with sin in our own lives or in society the more consequential and painful ultimately doing so becomes.”
Davis is also the host of Priority Talk Radio on 101.1 FM Birmingham/Huntsville.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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